A Plethora of Paperwork

And so it begins . . . the paperwork plunge.  Josh and I each had a 32-page questionnaire to fill out with questions such as how did we grow up, where, with whom, what was life like growing up, how do we raise our kids, how did we meet, where did we meet, what do we like and dislike about each other . . . so many questions.  I've decided I'm quite the narcissist.  I enjoyed answering them! 

Today we met with Cameron, our adoption agency's representative (aka, our worker).  This was our 2nd of 4 meetings with her.  So far we have given her a copy of our marriage license, fingerprints, background check sheets, references, etc.  She also met with each of the kids individually.  Isaac asked if she was going to be bringing the kids with her.  He's so lost so I'm trying to do better at keeping him in the loop.  "No, babe. The kids don't come with her for a while yet."  Anna threatened to tell Cameron about all the times she's been in the car when daddy got pulled over for speeding.  It must seem like a lot to her.  I'm sure my comments while on the road have not at all lead her to believe he's been stopped more than his share of times.  Haha  Just sitting here counting I can come up with . . . I'd better shut up : )  I can't wait to hear how these interviews went.

Cameron gave us more paperwork to fill out and we signed several documents while she was here like privacy docs, fees, foster parent agreement, capacity info, rules on how many kids to a room, how many kids to a house, and some more.  Between now and meeting #3 (in 3 weeks) we have to acquire family photos for her, DMV checks on each of our licenses, verification of our education, auto insurance declarations, drivers license copies, vehicle registration, pet vaccinations, fill out our family profile form (kids and agencies can go online and view profiles of the parents looking to adopt), fill out a preference form where we choose and rate what children we would consider (including disabilities, race, ages, genders, etc.), financials, get TB tested, and fill out medical evaluations.  Whew!!! 

Josh and I will be attending adoption classes each Saturday in May and one in June.  After this and after all of our paperwork is processed we will start receiving referrals.  It could be this Fall or next year that we add to our quiver.  God knows and time will tell.  We've decided to expand our search from our initial thoughts of a boy 5-8 yrs. old to a boy and/or girl or even a sibling group between 5 & 10, any race.  I pray often for this kid or these kids.  I can't wait to hear from them what their thoughts were about this time.

Stacie, you said you wanted to know every detail. There ya go!  The paperwork seems endless and my administrative background will come to full use.  One step closer!